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Abstract Background The concept of early vascular aging (EVA) represents a potentially beneficial model for future research into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the early manifestations of cardiovascular disease. For this reason, the aims of this study were to verify by confirmatory factor analysis the concept of EVA on a single factor based on vascular, clinical and biochemical parameters in a healthy adult population and to develop a statistical model to estimate the EVA index from variables collected in a dataset to classify patients into different cardiovascular risk groups: healthy vascular aging (HVA) and EVA. Methods The EVasCu study, a cross-sectional study, was based on data obtained from 390 healthy adults. To examine the construct validity of a single-factor model to measure accelerated vascular aging, different models including vascular, clinical and biochemical parameters were examined. In addition, unsupervised clustering techniques (using both K-means and hierarchical methods) were used to identify groups of patients sharing similar characteristics in terms of the analysed variables to classify patients into different cardiovascular risk groups: HVA and EVA. Results Our data show that a single-factor model including pulse pressure, glycated hemoglobin A1c, pulse wave velocity and advanced glycation end products shows the best construct validity for the EVA index. The optimal value of the risk groups to separate patients is K = 2 (HVA and EVA). Conclusions The EVA index proved to be an adequate model to classify patients into different cardiovascular risk groups, which could be valuable in guiding future preventive and therapeutic interventions.

As Bacias de Detenção de Águas Pluviais (BD) são obrigatórias para novos empreendimentos imobiliários na área urbana do Município de Araraquara-SP. O presente estudo identificou e analisou, comparativamente, os métodos de dimensionamento e parâmetros de projeto que vêm sendo adotados e aceitos pelo órgão público municipal. Foram identificados: Método 1 - Método Racional; Método 2 - Método Simplificado e o Método 3 - Hidrograma do Método Racional Modificado. A comparação entre eles demonstrou diferenças significativas nos volumes de detenção. O Método 1 superou o Método 3 na ordem de 20% a 75%, e o Método 2 na ordem de 189% a 413%. O Método 3 apresentou volumes de 312% a 764% maiores que o Método 2. Esses resultados indicaram volumes subestimados do Método 2 quando comparados com os demais métodos. Vale destacar que mesmo mantendo iguais os parâmetros de tempo, intensidade e de área, as diferenças foram significativas, embora menores que as anteriores. Concluiu-se, portanto, a necessidade de definir um método único e padronizado para o dimensionamento das BD em Araraquara, bem como de estudos específicos para o desenvolvimento de um método de fácil aplicação e condizente com as características locais.

In this paper we study the algebraic properties of a new integrable differential-difference equation. This equation can be seen as a deformation of the modified Narita-Itoh-Bogoyavlensky equation and has the Kaup-Kupershmidt equation in its continuous limit. Using its Lax representation we explicitly construct a recursion operator for this equation and prove that it is a Nijenhuis operator. Moreover, we present the bi-Hamiltonian structures for this new equation.

Urban agriculture is recognized as a worthy resource to support a growing population as well as to provide other positive effects on urban ecosystems and their citizens. In this context, community gardens are considered key topics in terms of food production and food security, in both developing and developed countries, as well as in terms of social inclusion and participation. The general aim of this study was to assess the main spatial criteria recognized and shared by stakeholders to identify suitable and inclusive areas for community gardens by testing and developing a participatory process. Because of its size, population, and urban fabric, Padua (northeast Italy) was selected as a representative and emblematic case study for mid-sized cities in Europe. The methodology was based on field surveys of key informants and spatial multicriteria decision-making analysis in the open-source geographic information system environment of QGIS. The results identified neighborhoods to be prioritized in the design of new community gardens according to three scenarios: the distance index, the social index, and the combination of the two (overall index). To conclude, this study highlighted the importance of adopting a decision-making methodology to support local policymakers and municipal agencies that are interested in implementing other community gardens in Padua. The case study and the methodology adopted could also serve as important guides for cities by providing step-by-step processes that can be directly applied.

The ultrasonic tensile test method recently developed by the Authors is applied with the micro-computed tomography technique aiming to correlate the failure-inducing nominal stress in alumina 99.5% with the manufacturing defect size. After characterizing the defect population, the critical defect size of each specimen is defined, and an empirical formulation for the stress intensity factors on this material is obtained.The ultrasonic tensile test, with a loading frequency of 20 kHz, is simulated with finite element analyses, to estimate with an optimization process the material properties that reproduce the experimental displacements. Evidence of negligible fatigue damage is verified to further support the validity of the ultrasonic tensile test as a method capable of providing a good estimate for the quasi-static tensile strength.The analysed alumina resulted in a density of 3969 kg/m3 and an elastic modulus of 371.2 GPa. All specimens failed in 100 cycles or less, with tensile strength values ranging from 79.5 MPa to 322.6 MPa. The reason for this large experimental variability is attributed to the dispersion of imperfection sizes, with critical sizes ranging from 92 μm to 3443 μm, proving the importance of combining the information on the defect population with the assessed tensile strength.

Obesity, a burgeoning global health crisis, has tripled in prevalence over the past 45 years, necessitating innovative research methodologies. Adipocytes, which are responsible for energy storage, play a central role in obesity. However, most studies in this field rely on animal models or adipocyte monolayer cell cultures, which are limited in their ability to fully mimic the complex physiology of a living organism, or pose challenges in terms of cost, time consumption, and ethical considerations. These limitations prompt a shift towards alternative methodologies. In response, here we show a 3D in vitro model utilizing the 3T3-L1 cell line, aimed at faithfully replicating the metabolic intricacies of adipocytes in vivo. Using a workable cell line (3T3-L1), we produced adipocyte spheroids and differentiated them in presence and absence of TNF-α. Through a meticulous proteomic analysis, we compared the molecular profile of our adipose spheroids with that of adipose tissue from lean and obese C57BL/6J mice. This comparison demonstrated the model's efficacy in studying metabolic conditions, with TNF-α treated spheroids displaying a notable resemblance to obese white adipose tissue. Our findings underscore the model's simplicity, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness, positioning it as a robust tool for authentically mimicking in vitro metabolic features of real adipose tissue. Notably, our model encapsulates key aspects of obesity, including insulin resistance and an obesity profile. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for metabolic syndrome and obesity. By providing a nuanced understanding of metabolic conditions, our 3D model stands as a transformative contribution to in vitro research, offering a pathway for the development of small molecules and biologics targeting these pervasive health issues in humans.

The nucleolus is a subnuclear compartment critical in ribosome biogenesis and cellular stress responses. These mechanisms are governed by a complex interplay of proteins, including NOC1, a member of the NOC family of nucleolar proteins responsible for controlling rRNA processing and ribosomal maturation. This study reveals a novel relationship between NOC1 and MYC transcription factor, known for its crucial role in controlling ribosomal biogenesis, cell growth, and proliferation. Here, we demonstrate that NOC1 functions as a direct target of MYC, as it is transcriptionally induced through a functional MYC-binding E-box sequence in the NOC1 promoter region. Furthermore, protein interactome analysis reveals that NOC1-complex includes the nucleolar proteins NOC2 and NOC3 and other nucleolar components such as Nucleostemin1 Ns1 transporters of ribosomal subunits and components involved in rRNA processing and maturation. In response to MYC, NOC1 expression and localization within the nucleolus significantly increase, suggesting a direct functional link between MYC activity and NOC1 function. Notably, NOC1 over-expression leads to the formation of large nuclear granules and enlarged nucleoli, which co-localize with nucleolar fibrillarin and Ns1. Additionally, we demonstrate that NOC1 expression is necessary for Ns1 nucleolar localization, suggesting a role for NOC1 in maintaining nucleolar structure. Finally, the co-expression of NOC1 and MYC enhances nucleolus size and maintains their co-localization, outlining another aspect of the cooperation between NOC1 and MYC in nucleolar dynamics. This study also reveals an enrichment with NOC1 with few proteins involved in RNA processing, modification, and splicing. Moreover, proteins such as Ythdc1, Flacc, and splenito are known to mediate N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation of mRNAs in nuclear export, revealing NOC1’s potential involvement in coordinating RNA splicing and nuclear mRNA export. In summary, we uncovered novel roles for NOC1 in nucleolar homeostasis and established its direct connection with MYC in the network governing nucleolar structure and function. These findings also highlight NOC1’s interaction with proteins relevant to specific RNA functions, suggesting a broader role in addition to its control of nucleolar homeostasis and providing new insight that can be further investigated.

Introduction/Objective: Osteochondral allografting can be an effective option for the treatment of focal cartilage injuries. However, wide scale applicability of this technique is limited by availability of donor tissue. To overcome this limitation, osteochondral xenografting has been proposed as a potential alternative, but immune-mediated rejection precludes its clinical application at this time. We hypothesized that removing much of the marrow cell content through tissue culture would result in a decrease in xenograft immunogenicity. We believed this could be tested in a preclinical animal model. Methods: Fresh porcine femoral condyles were harvested and cultured for 0, 14, or 28 days before coculture with either allogeneic enriched porcine T-cells or xenogeneic enriched equine T-cells for 5 days. After 5 days, these cocultures were pulsed with 5-ethynyl-2′deoxyuridine then analyzed by flow cytometry to assess the level of cell proliferation. Coculture supernatant samples were also collected to evaluate the levels of prostaglandin-E2 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) as markers of inflammation. Results: The osteochondral tissue induced significantly less T-cell proliferation, prostaglandin-E2, and MCP-1 production when the tissue had been cultured for either 14 or 28 days prior to the coculture assay (P < .0001). Conclusions: We conclude that T-cell responses to either allogeneic or xenogeneic osteochondral tissues were significantly reduced by 14 days of preculture prior to exposure to T-cells.

Special Article: Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment for many disorders and international data shows a growing trend. Method: We aimed to evaluate the temporal trends in HSCT transplant rates in Argentina. A time-series analysis was performed for the period 2009 to 2018 using the national database from the National Central Coordinating Institute for Ablations and Implants. Crude and standardized transplant rates were calculated. A permutation joinpoint regression model analysis was used to identify significant changes over time. Results: Altogether, 8,474 transplants were reported to INCUCAI by 28 centers (autologous 67.5%); the main indication was multiple myeloma (30%). The WHO age-sex standardized HSCT rates for the entire country were 153.3 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 141.7–165.8) in 2009 and 260.1 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 245.5–275.5) in 2018. There was a large gap in HSCT rates among the states and regions. The transplant rate was higher for autologous transplants throughout the years. Within the allogeneic group, the related donor transplant rate was higher than the unrelated donor transplant rate. The joinpoint regression analysis of HSCT rates for the whole country over time showed an observed annual percentage change of 6.3% (95% CI 5.4-7.3; p

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infections are common in humans, especially among young children. These conditions are often asymptomatic and self-limiting, and diagnosis is mainly based on the search for ova and parasites in the stools since serology may be biased due to cross reactivity between parasites. Pinworm is common in children and is not usually associated with hypereosinophilia; adhesive-tape test is the gold standard testing for the microscopic detection of Enterobious vermicularis (Ev) eggs. Case presentation A 13-year-old boy was referred due to a self-resolving episode of vomiting and palpebral oedema after dinner, together with a history of chronic rhinitis, chronic cough, absolute IgA deficiency and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypereosinophilia (higher value = 3140/µl). On evaluation we detected only palpable thyroid and hypertrophic nasal turbinates. Food allergy was excluded, but skin prick tests showed sensitization to house dust mites and cat epithelium and spirometry showed a marked obstructive pattern with positive bronchodilation test prompting the diagnosis of asthma for which maintenance inhaled treatment was started. Chest x-ray and abdomen ultrasound were negative. Further blood testing showed positive IgG anti-Echinococcus spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis and positive IgE for Ascaris, while Ev were detected both by the adhesive tape test and stool examination, so that we made a final diagnosis of pinworm infection. Three months after adequate treatment with pyrantel pamoate the adhesive-tape test turned out negative and blood testing showed a normal eosinophil count. The child later developed also type 1 diabetes. Conclusions We suggest the need to investigate for enterobiasis in children with hypereosinophilia and to consider autoimmunity as a potential confounding factor when interpreting serology for helminths.

Abstract Background Unfounded concerns regarding fever are increasingly observed among nurses worldwide. However, no study has so far explored the preferred approach towards pediatric fever among nursing students. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the attitude towards pediatric fever among final-year nursing students. Methods Between February and June 2022, final-year nursing students of 5 Italian university hospitals were asked to answer an online survey on their approach to fever in children. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized. Multiple regression models were employed to explore the existence of moderators on fever conceptions. Results The survey was filled in by 121 nursing students (response rate 50%). Although most students (98%) do not consider discomfort to treat fever in children, only a minority would administer a second dose of the same antipyretic in nonresponsive cases (5.8%) or would alternate antipyretic drugs (13%). Most students would use physical methods to decrease fever (84%) and do not think that fever has mainly beneficial effects in children (72%). The own know-how adequacy on fever was inversely associated (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.81) with the beliefs that high fever might lead to brain damage. No further predictive variable was significantly associated with the concern that fever might be associated with brain damage, the advice of physical methods use, and the assumption that fever has mostly positive effects. Discussion This study shows for the first time that misconceptions and inappropriate attitudes towards fever in children are common among final-year nursing students. Nursing students could potentially be ideal candidates for improving fever management within clinical practice and amongst caregivers.

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are considered essential measures to face climate change in cities. Riparian ecosystems are often undervalued as NBSs even if they represent an “already plugged-in” ecosystem service provider. However, applied research on urban riparian ecosystems is scarce. To fill the gap, this study frames the role of these ecosystems as a frontline mitigation and adaptation strategy by (i) investigating how urban riparian ecosystems experienced a process of urbanization from World War II until today in Padua (Italy), (ii) estimating how effective was carbon sequestration, and (iii) assessing how an afforestation process might contribute to mitigation scenarios. Land use/land cover changes are first mapped with high-resolution aerial images and, by using InVEST models, carbon sequestration is estimated. Results highlight that impervious surfaces notably increased along these ecosystems; hence, carbon sequestration was negative (−928 Mg/C). The future scenario (2022–2050) indicates an increase of carbon stocks (+4,329.95 Mg/C), giving a contribution toward city carbon neutrality. Results suggest that, in the recent past, the urban management and policies did not provide clear and well-defined planning of these areas. On the contrary, at present, urban riparian ecosystems might represent already existing multi-functional NBSs to be restored and enhanced within cities for climate-resilient planning and for increasing the life quality of city dwellers. Finally, our methodology provides a replicable spatial database for supporting urban planning policies.

BackgroundAlcohol consumption is related to the risk of developing different types of cancer. However, unlike other alcoholic beverages, moderate wine drinking has demonstrated a protective effect on the risk of developing several types of cancer.ObjectiveTo analyze the association between wine consumption and the risk of developing cancer.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE (through PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird methods. I2 was used to evaluate inconsistency, the τ2 test was used to assess heterogeneity, and The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale were applied to evaluate the risk of bias. This study was previously registered in PROSPERO, with the registration number CRD42022315864.ResultsSeventy-three studies were included in the systematic review, and 26 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled RR for the effect of wine consumption on the risk of gynecological cancers was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.08), that for colorectal cancer was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.03), and that for renal cancer was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.04). In general, the heterogeneity was substantial.ConclusionThe study findings reveal no association between wine consumption and the risk of developing any type of cancer. Moreover, wine drinking demonstrated a protective trend regarding the risk of developing pancreatic, skin, lung, and brain cancer as well as cancer in general.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022315864, identifier CRD42022315864 (PROSPERO).